Residence Permit in China — Study & Work
A Residence Permit lets you legally live in China beyond short stays. If you enter on an X1 student visa (long-term study) or a Z work visa, you typically need to convert your entry visa into a Residence Permit after arrival. This guide explains documents, police registration, medical check, application steps, timelines, renewals, and FAQs.
What a Residence Permit Does
- Replaces your entry visa for the duration of study or work (card/sticker in your passport).
- Allows multiple entries to/from China during its validity period.
- Links to your school/employer and registered address in China.
Always follow your university/employer’s latest instructions—requirements can vary by city.
Before You Apply: Two Essentials
1) Police Address Registration
- Hotels register you automatically at check-in.
- Private stays usually must register at the local police station (ask your host/landlord or school for help).
- Keep the Registration Form of Temporary Residence—you will need it for the application.
2) Medical Check (if required locally)
- Designated health centers conduct the exam; bring passport and photos.
- Typical tests: basic physical, bloodwork, chest X-ray, vision/vitals (details vary).
- Keep the medical report or receipt—often needed for permits.
Documents You Typically Need
- Passport with valid entry visa (X1 or Z) and photocopies of ID/visa pages.
- Recent passport photos (confirm size with your city bureau).
- Police Registration Form (address registration).
- Medical report from the designated center (if required).
- For Students: Admission Letter, JW201/JW202, enrollment proof from your school.
- For Workers: Work Permit Notification/Work Permit card (as applicable), employer license/letter.
- Completed application form and application fee (varies by city & validity).
Where to Apply
- The local Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau (often called the immigration/PSB bureau).
- Many cities require an online appointment—your school or employer usually books it for you.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents with help from your school/employer (see checklist above).
- Book an appointment at the immigration/PSB bureau (or take a queue number if walk-in).
- Submit application & pay fees; fingerprints may be collected.
- Receive a pick-up receipt; your passport is usually kept during processing.
- Collect passport with the Residence Permit inserted once approved.
Processing time varies by city and season; allow for several working days. Plan travel accordingly.
While Your Passport Is at the Bureau
- Carry the pick-up receipt and a copy of your ID page—this acts as temporary proof of status.
- Domestic travel is usually fine with the receipt; international travel is not possible until your passport is returned.
- Keep your phone reachable for any follow-up from the bureau/school/employer.
Validity, Renewals & Changes
- Student permits generally align with your enrollment period; work permits align with your employment contract.
- Renew early: Start the renewal process well before expiry to avoid gaps.
- Changing address/school/employer: Update your registration and consult the bureau for the correct procedure.
- Lost passport/permit: Report promptly; your school/employer will guide replacement steps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long after arrival—some cities set a strict deadline to apply once you enter on X1/Z.
- Skipping address registration—your application can be rejected without it.
- Wrong photo size or missing copies—bring extras to save time.
- Booking travel while your passport is held—wait until you collect it back.
Quick Timeline (Typical)
- Arrival in China → register your address (hotel auto-registers; private stays register at police).
- Do medical check if required by your city/school/employer.
- Prepare documents with school/employer; book immigration/PSB appointment.
- Submit application → receive pick-up receipt → processing.
- Collect passport with Residence Permit → confirm details & validity dates.
Useful Vocabulary
- 居留许可 (jūliú xǔkě) — Residence Permit
- 临时住宿登记 (línshí zhùsù dēngjì) — Temporary Residence Registration (police)
- 出入境管理局 (chūrùjìng guǎnlǐ jú) — Exit-Entry Administration (immigration/PSB)
- 体检 (tǐjiǎn) — medical check
- 受理回执 (shòulǐ huízhí) — application receipt
FAQ — Residence Permit in China
Do all students need a Residence Permit?
Only long-term students (usually X1) convert to a Residence Permit; short-term (X2) typically do not.
How long does it take?
Allow several working days; timing varies by city and season. Apply early.
Can I travel internationally while it’s processing?
No—your passport is usually kept. Wait until you collect it back.
What if I change address?
Update your police registration and inform your school/employer; bring the new registration to the bureau if asked.
Will my permit allow multiple entries?
Yes, Residence Permits generally allow multiple entries during validity.
Need Help With Your Residence Permit?
Masons Au Pair guides you through address registration, medical checks, and immigration appointments, coordinating with schools and host families so your application is smooth and on time.
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